Angelina Jolie’s Brother James Haven Reflects on Their Close Bond and Role in Her Life Post-Divorce
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Lester Cohen
Angelina Jolie and her brother James Haven have always shared a close and affectionate sibling relationship, one that has often made headlines. This bond was on full display when Jolie accepted her Academy Award for Girl, Interrupted, where the siblings’ public display of affection garnered significant attention.
Despite the public’s surprise at the depth of their closeness, both Jolie and Haven have consistently affirmed that their relationship is purely familial. Throughout their lives, Jolie and Haven have been open about their love and support for each other, a bond that was strengthened by their shared upbringing with their mother.
Haven has also expressed deep affection for Jolie’s six children—Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, and twins Knox and Vivienne, whom she shares with her ex-husband Brad Pitt. “Anytime I’m blessed to be in their presence, I want to be in their presence. A quality that… I got it from my mom,” Haven shared, reflecting his desire to be actively involved in his nieces’ and nephews’ lives, according to The Things.
Haven’s role in Jolie’s life became even more significant following her high-profile split from Brad Pitt. The ongoing conflict between Jolie and Pitt, despite years passing since their divorce, has only deepened Haven’s commitment to his sister and her children. In a rare interview on the 90who10 Podcast, Haven spoke about his protective instinct toward Jolie and her kids during those challenging times.
“I think it’s natural and that’s where [my bond] all started, it started with the protection of her and her children—my nieces and nephews—[during] those massively formative years,” he explained, as reported by The New York Post. When news of Jolie and Pitt’s separation broke, Haven felt an overwhelming need to support his sister and her children. This commitment led him to make significant life changes to ensure he could be there for them whenever needed.
“I set up my life so I can be present in whatever situation. I want to be there for them or her—whatever she’s going through,” Haven said. He expressed his desire to be a father figure to Jolie’s children as they grow into young adults, adding, “They’re becoming young adults [in their] early 20s. That’s so crazy. I think it’s just very natural. I just want to be there.”
Meanwhile, Jolie and Pitt’s divorce initiated in 2016, remains embroiled in a prolonged legal battle, particularly over custody issues. In this tense situation, Pitt has been cautious about maintaining his privacy and visitation rights with their children. According to sources, Pitt has gone to great lengths to avoid being photographed with his children, even asking his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect their privacy, as reported by The Things.
A source told In Touch Weekly, “He definitely doesn’t want to rock the boat regarding his visitation rights, which is why he closely guards their privacy and hasn’t even taken the children out in public, even though Angelina is seen with them relatively often.” James Haven’s enduring support for his sister and her children highlights the strong familial bonds that continue to provide strength and stability amidst the challenges faced by Angelina Jolie and her family.
